Volunteer for the elderly this Christmas
It’s easy to get caught up in the commotion that surrounds Christmas and forget that for some, especially the elderly, it can be a very lonely time of year.
With just over a month to go until the big day, why not spare some of your time to volunteer for the elderly in the run up to Christmas? We’ve put together some ideas for voluntary work you can take on during the festive period and hopefully into the New Year too!
Age Cymru
Age Cymru is looking for volunteers to help make a difference to the lives of older people by doing anything from helping in its high street shops, volunteering at its events or leading a healthy ageing activity.
It has lots of volunteering opportunities within its Physical Activity programme in locations across Wales to help over 50s to make positive lifestyle choices to stay healthy and active. Find out more here.
Contact the Elderly
The Contact the Elderly charity runs a Sunday afternoon tea once a month where small groups get together for tea, talk and companionship. The group is hosted by a different volunteer each month and attendees are picked up and dropped home by volunteer drivers. The drivers and guests to the afternoon tea remain the same each month so friendships can be built. Why not volunteer to be a host or driver?
You could start volunteering now in the run up to Christmas and continue regularly in 2018. For more info, head here.
The Silver Line
The Silver Line is all about the power of human contact and volunteers are vital to its commitment to reducing loneliness and isolation as well as improving the lives of older people.
The charity is looking for volunteers to become Silver Line Friends – people who speak to an elderly person once a week via telephone to have a chat and provide friendship. Find out more here.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has many opportunities for volunteers, from serving meals to people who would otherwise be on their own on Christmas Day, supporting those who are struggling financially, or running activities and classes in community centres to providing support to help people into employment. To see what is happening in your area you can contact your local Salvation Army centre here.
You don’t have to volunteer at a charity to spread festive cheer. Why not make a conscious effort to visit elderly folk in your neighbourhood, stop for a chat, a cup of tea or see if they need help with shopping or jobs around the home. You can find some more of our ideas for helping to prevent loneliness in the elderly here.
